1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This seasoning will help create a flavorful base for the BBQ sauce to cling to.

2. Cook the Chicken

There are multiple methods to cook the chicken for this recipe. You can grill it, bake it, or cook it on the stovetop. Here are the methods:

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with olive oil and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

3. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken has cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it. You can use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, or if you’re in a hurry, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly. The shredded chicken will soak up the BBQ sauce and create the perfect texture for your sandwiches.

4. Combine with BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce, or for an extra personal touch, try making your own homemade BBQ sauce (recipe provided below).

5. Toast the Buns

While the chicken is soaking in the BBQ sauce, prepare your sandwich buns. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and butter the insides of the buns. Toast the buns for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. This will give the buns extra flavor and texture that complements the juicy BBQ chicken.

6. Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble your BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Start by spooning a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. If desired, top the chicken with coleslaw, pickles, and shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor and crunch. Place the top half of the bun on top, and your BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are ready to serve!